Best Ornament Hooks for Christmas Ornaments

custom ornament

Key Takeaways

  • ➤ The best ornament hooks depend on the types of custom ornaments you are using, branch thickness, and how “grabby” your tree branches are.
  • ➤ For heavier custom metal ornaments and wiggly kids or pets, we love the Ornament Anchor brand, which has really cool ornament clamps (link below).
  • ➤ For simple, classic hanging, a metal wire hook set, which is offered in two sizes, is an easy way to win.
  • ➤ For classic and traditional, go with satin ribbons, which come in a variety of colors, and add that special touch.

Best Ornament Hooks for Christmas Ornaments

I think most people only notice hooks after the first crash. You hear a tiny “tick,” then the glass ball rolls under the tree, and suddenly you’re doing holiday decor triage on your living room floor. I’ve been there. Last year I told myself I’d “fix it next year,” and… yeah, I forgot until the next box came out.

The good news: the best ornament hooks are not mysterious. You need the proper grip, size, look, and feel for your Christmas tree decoration style. Some folks want clean and simple. Others wish to polish gold ornament hooks that resemble those in a West Elm ornament collection. (Then you step back and wonder if you should have gone full Martha Stewart. It happens.)

Christmas tree graphic
Christmas tree graphic

How I picked these…

I didn’t run a lab test. Still, I used the same kind of thinking you see in Wirecutter reviews: what holds, what bends, what slides, and what makes you annoyed after hanging the 40th single ornament. Also, I looked at product detail pages twice, then again, since I always miss something the first time.

Heavy-duty grip for heavy ornaments

If you hang heavier ornaments, you want less “open hook” and more “locked on.” Some options clamp onto tree branches rather than resting there. That is the best way to stop bumps from turning into broken Glass Ornaments.

Fit, finish, and color scheme.

If your artificial Christmas tree has thick branches, tiny hooks can feel cramped. If your tree branches are thin, oversized hooks can slide around. And yes, finish matters. Gold ornament hooks can subtly elevate the look of an ornament Set, especially when you mix custom glass and custom metal ornaments.

Best Bang for Your Buck

When we selected the best ornament hooks, we focused on the best value, plain and simple. That meant looking for packs that offer enough hooks for a complete ornament set without paying a premium “brand tax,” then checking the sale price to see where the real deals live.

Top 6 Best Ornament Hooks

1) Ornament Anchor adjustable hooks (heavy duty)

If you want the “hold on tight” option, Ornament Anchor is the one I keep coming back to. Ornament Anchor uses a loop-and-pull style that clamps onto tree branches, so it’s less likely to slip off. That matters for heavy ornaments, and it matters for precious ornaments that you cannot replace. I also appreciate that Ornament Anchor comes in multiple colors, so it can blend in or stand out, depending on the decorating style.

ornament anchor

With Ornament Anchor, the pitch is clear: secure hold, less falling, less breakage.

If you want a link, here are two: the official store and a primary Amazon marketplace listing.

2) Balsam Hill Gold Ornament Hooks (set style, polished look)

Balsam Hill offers gold ornament hooks that feel more “nice home” than “random hook pile.” If you’re doing an ornament collection with a planned color scheme, this is an easy win. Balsam Hill also sells other Christmas ornaments and accessories, so it’s simple to keep one brand for the entire ornament set. I’ve seen people pair this look with a very tidy artificial Christmas tree, and it just works.

Check the sale price when you can, and monitor the shipping times. Their site highlights the timing and free shipping thresholds, and I always read those lines twice.

Link: Balsam Hill Gold and Silver Ornament Hooks.

balsam hook

3) Custom Satin Ribbons (standard with Monterey ornaments)

If you’re tired of hunting for sturdy hooks, a satin ribbon is an excellent idea, especially during the holiday season when you want the tree done and looking nice. With The Monterey Company, our bulk custom ornaments come standard with soft custom satin ribbons, and you can pick from a variety of colors to match your brand, plus adjust the length and width. Hence, your favorite ornaments hang the way you want. It’s a good idea for heavy pieces too, since the ribbon can sit more securely on tree branches than some thin wire options, and it avoids that annoying “hook slip” moment.

ornament ribbons

If you want to see what’s possible with materials, finishes, and ribbon options, check out our Custom Ornaments page here.

4) Kurt Adler Gold Wire Ornament Hooks (classic metal wire set)

If you want simple, classic metal wire hooks from a known Christmas brand, Kurt Adler has a straightforward Gold Wire Ornament Hooks set. It’s the kind of hook you use on a complete ornament set without thinking too hard. That is a compliment. I like these for basic Christmas Tree Decoration work, especially if your tree branches are not too thick.

ornament hook box

This is also a good pick if you shop early, grab it at a discount or sale price, and store extras for next year. Additionally, these ornament hooks are elegant and sleek.

Link: Kurt Adler Gold Wire Ornament Hooks.

5) Pottery Barn Ornament Hooks (clean and minimal)

Pottery Barn’s Ornament Hooks are simple and feature a silver-finished metal wire style. If your holiday decor leans modern, this fits the bill. It also plays well if your ornaments are from West Elm or your tree look is more “calm” than “full sparkle.” (I try to stay calm every year. Then I add new ornaments and everything goes out the window. It happens.)

Link: Pottery Barn Ornament Hooks.

One quick note: some pages show availability changes, so check the price and stock status before closing to purchase.

pottery barn ornament hook

6) Bulk Metal Wire ornament hooks (two sizes, lots of hooks)

bulk ornament hook image

If you just want a big pile of metal wire hooks, a bulk set with two sizes is the easy way to cover your entire ornament set. This kind of pack is great for class parties, big families, or anyone who keeps adding Christmas ornaments every year. The two sizes accommodate different ornament shapes and hanger loops.

Link: Bulk Metal Wire hook set.

I’ll say it: this is the best way to stop “we ran out of hooks” mid-tree. Order once, then stash the extras for next year.

Ready to create custom Christmas ornaments that people actually keep? We’ll help you pick materials, finishes, and packaging that fit your brand and your budget.

Get a Custom Ornament Quote

💡 Pro Tips to hang and store ornaments

Quick hanging tips for every tree

Start with the top third of the tree, then work down. If your artificial Christmas tree has softer branches, use hooks that pinch more tightly, or go up a size. Try to keep the hook closed enough that a bump doesn’t pop it off. That’s the best way to keep holiday cheer on the tree and not on the floor.

custom Christmas bulb shaped wood ornament

For custom glass ornaments, I prefer to place them deeper on the branch rather than at the tip. That passed-down custom glass ball looks great near the edge, sure, but it also swings more, which can be treacherous. If you have heavier ornaments, spread them out so one branch isn’t doing all the work. Mix heavy metal ornaments with lighter custom wood ornaments or leather ornaments.

Storage solutions for next year

Storage solutions do not need to be fancy. Still, storage space can fill up quickly, so I think it helps to pick one system and stick with it. Ornament boxes with dividers are a classic, and they keep Metal Wire hooks from tangling into a strange knot. Add a small bag for hooks inside the ornament boxes, label it, and you’re set. That’s one of those ornament storage ideas that feels boring now and feels great next year.

christmas light storage container

I also keep a small “hook restock” ornament set in the same tote, so I don’t have to hunt for it. Storage solutions are only helpful if you can find them when you need them. Storage space is real life.

When you need an ornament stand or a backup plan

Sometimes a hook is not enough. For a very heavy keepsake, an ornament stand can take pressure off the branch. Bronner’s offers ornament stands for a dedicated display.

hook stand ornament

For a wall display, command hooks can work for non-tree setups, such as hanging a few favorites on a wall shelf near your Christmas Tree Decoration corner. For tiny DIY repairs, fishing line can help stabilize a swinging ornament, and a pilot hole is sometimes used for craft hang points on wood pieces, though I’d test on scrap first. And yes, Home Improvement stores like Home Depot are where many people grab last-minute supplies, then rush home like it’s a Package Delivery Business relay.

Final notes

If you’re shopping, it’s fine to chase the deal, especially if you are not in a rush. I do it too. Just don’t let the sale price talk you into a hook style that doesn’t match your ornament type or the integrity of your tree branches. One more discount check is okay, but five checks might be… a sign you should buy the set and move on.

Avatar Eric Turney

Eric Turney

Eric Turney A devoted father, football fanatic, and stand-up comedy enthusiast who loves nothing more than bringing people together over great food and a good time. When he’s not cheering on his favorite team or experimenting in the kitchen, you can find him connecting with others on LinkedIn